Chess and Checkers : the Way to Mastership · Chapter 17Game No. 1
This chapter is not translated yet. You are reading the original.
Played in the Championship Tournament of the Western States, 1917, at Lexington, Ky.
White Black Jackson Showalter. Edward Lasker
(1) P-e4 P-e5 (2) Kt-f3 Kt-c6 (3) B-b5 P-a6
As explained previously this move cannot be regarded as loss of time as White has to either retreat with the Bishop, adding nothing to his development, or exchange on c6, helping Black's development by opening a line for the Bishop c8.
(4) B-a4 Kt-f6
The move B-c5 which Black might consider instead of Kt-f6 is not to be recommended as White would reply P-c3 and then force the exchange of Black's center-Pawn by P-d4. The complete control of the center which White would gain in the further course of the game would soon give him an overwhelming attack. For instance: (4) …, B-c5; (5) P-c3, Kt-f6; (6) o-o, o-o;
+———————————————————-+ 8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R | |———————————————————-| 7 | | #P | #P | #P | | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | #Kt| | | #Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 5 | | | | | #P | | | | |———————————————————-| 4 | ^B | | | | ^P | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | | | | | ^Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | ^P | | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
(7) P-d4, Pxd4; (8) Pxd4, B-b6; (9) P-e5, Kt-e8; (10) P-d5, Kt- e7; (11) P-d6, Pxd6; (12) Pxd6, Kt-g6; (13) B-g5, etc.
(5) P-d3
It is customary for White to castle at this point. P-d3 is certainly a good move as it enables the development of the Queen's Bishop, but o-o is very likely better as it reserves the option of advancing the Queen's Pawn either one or two squares. When advancing the Pawn two squares White has to avoid the following trap: (5) o-o, B-e7; (6) P-d4, P-b5; (7) B-b3, Pxd4 (not Ktxd4 on account of (8) Bxf7 and (9) Ktxe5 +); (8) Ktxd4 ??, Ktxd4; (9) Qxd4, P-c5 followed by P-c4 winning the Bishop. What White can try in this variation is the Pawn sacrifice (8) P- c3, Pxc3, through which he obtains a considerable advantage in the development of the pieces.
After (5) o-o White threatens to win the Pawn e5 by (6) Bxc6 and (7) Ktxe5, as now Q-d4; (8) Kt-f3, Qxe4 is not possible on account of (9) R-e1. Black has various ways to counter this threat. He can either defend the Pawn by P-d6 or play B-e7 with the view to capture the Pawn e4 in case White should take the Pawn e5, or, finally, he can capture the Pawn e4 at once.
All of these three variations are playable for Black although it appears that White obtains a slight advantage however Black continues. This opening is consequently a great favorite in modern Tournament play.
[Footnote: Following are the two main variations which have been adopted in the practice of the Masters:
A. (5) o-o, B-e7; (6) R-e1 (protecting the Pawn e4 so that Black has to defend himself against Bxc6 and Ktxe5), P-b5; (7) B- b3, P-d6; (8) P-c3 (preserving the Bishop against the exchange threatened with Kt-a5), Kt-a5; (9) B-c2, P-c5; (10) P-d4, Q-c7. Now the Pawn e5 is sufficiently protected and Black threatens to exert pressure on d4 by playing B-g4 and Kt-c6. It might seem that White can ignore this threat and as soon as d4 attacked either exchange the Pawn on e5 or advance him to d5. However, the former maneuver would open the d-file for Black's Rooks and the latter would not be very good either before Black has castled; for the advance of the d-pawn closes the center-files permanently for the Rooks so that Black's King is safe in the center while White may have to face an attack on the King's wing which Black might initiate by storming with the h and g Pawns.
For all these reasons White is justified in making the waiting move (11) P-h3, which safeguards the square d4 against the indirect attack B-g4 and at the same time prepares an attack along the lines of the one discussed in connection with Diagram 52. After (11) …, Kt-c6; (12) B-e3, o-o; White can safely advance the Queen's Pawn and then launch the attack referred to above.
B. The second variation arising from the position of Diagram 62 is (5) o-o, Ktxe4. It seems rather dangerous for Black to take the Pawn as long as his King is in the e-file which White can occupy with his Rook; but after (6) R-e1, Kt-c5; (7) Ktxe5, Ktxe5; (8) Rxe5 +, Kt-e6, White has not much attack and for this reason the opening is generally treated in a different way. As the strongest move is considered (6) P-d4. Black can hardly take this Pawn as R-e1 and Ktxd4 would follow threatening to win a piece; but he may try to maintain his Knight on the dominating square e4 by (6) …, P-b5; (7) B-b3, P-d5. After (8) Pxe5, B-e6; (9) P-c3 (again providing a retreat for the Bishop), B-e7; (10) Ktb1-d2, Black's best continuation is probably Ktxd2; (11) Qxd2 (not Bxd2 on account of B-g4); Kt-a5 or o-o. The maneuver (10) …, Kt-c5; (11) B-c2, P-d4, which was tried in several recent tournaments, is of doubtful value as Black loses control of the important center-square e4. White can use this square for an attack on the weak point c6 as follows: (12) Kt-e4, Pxc3; (13) Ktxc5, Bxc5; (14) B-e4, Q-d7; (15) Q-c2, B-d5 (in order to answer R-d1 with Bxe4); (16) B-g5, and Black does not seem to have a satisfactory defense. For instance (16) …, B-b6; (17) Ra1-d1, Bxe4; (18) Qxe4, Q-e6; (19) R-d6 or (16) …, Bxe4; (17) Qxe4, Pxb2; (18) Ra1-d1, P-b1 (Q); (19) Rxb1 followed by R-c1.]
(5) … P-b5
The simplest and probably best way to defend the Pawn e5 against the threat Bxc6 and Ktxe5 is P-d6 without P-b5.
(6) B-b3 P-d6
The alternative was B-c5. White could then not have captured the Pawn e5 by (7) B-d5, o-o; (8) Bxc6, Pxc6; (9) Ktxe5 on account of Q-d4, threatening mate on f2 and attacking the Knight.
+———————————————————-+ 8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R | |———————————————————-| 7 | | | #P | | | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | #Kt| #P | | #Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 5 | | #P | | | #P | | | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | | | ^P | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^B | | ^P | | ^Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
(7) Kt-g5
This attack with two pieces in the early stage of the opening is contrary to the general principles of strategy. White wins a Pawn but this cannot be considered an adequate equivalent for the time he loses in doing so. He neglects his development and he is bound to suffer for that sooner than he can make the weight of his extra-Pawn felt.
(7) … P-d5 (8) Pxd5
Black cannot recapture the Pawn as this would give White an occasion to initiate a violent attack starting with the sacrifice of the Knight on f7, thus: (8) …, Ktxd5; (9) Ktxf7, Kxf7; (10) Q-f3+, K-e6 (the Knight d5 has to be protected); (11) Kt-c3, Ktc6-e7; (12) o-o, followed by R-e1, P-d4, etc. The exposed position of Black's King is well worth the piece which White has sacrificed.
+———————————————————-+ 8 | #R | | #B | #Q | #K | #B | | #R | |———————————————————-| 7 | | | #P | | | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | #Kt| | | #Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 5 | | #P | | ^P | #P | | ^Kt| | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^B | | ^P | | | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
(8) … Kt-d4
With this move Black crosses White's plans by exchanging the Bishop who was to play the main part in the attack, and, as a consequence, the Knight g5 does not have a chance to do any useful work either.
(9) P-d6
Opening again the diagonal of the Bishop and getting rid of the advanced Pawn by exchange before Black has an occasion to capture him.
(9) … Ktxb3 (10) Pxc7 Qxc7
+———————————————————-+ 8 | #R | | #B | | #K | #B | | #R | |———————————————————-| 7 | | | #Q | | | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | | | | #Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 5 | | #P | | | #P | | ^Kt| | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | #Kt| | ^P | | | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | ^Kt| ^B | ^Q | ^K | | | ^R | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
Black could regain his Pawn by Q-d5; (11) Pa2xb3, Qxg2; (12) Q- f3, Qxf3; (13) Ktxf3, B-b7; (14) K-e2, B-d6 and Bxc7; but in doing so he would give up his advantage in development, which, as the further course of the game proves, is much more valuable.
(11) Pa2xb3 B-b7 (12) o-o P-h6!
If Black proceeded to develop his pieces indiscriminately, his advantage would soon vanish. White needs only two moves—R-e1 and Kt-e4—to paralyze the effect of Black's powerful Queen's Bishop and to regain control of the center where at present Black has the upper hand on account of his center-Pawn.
(13) Kt-f3 B-d6 (14) R-e1 o-o (15) Ktb1-d2 Ra8-d8 (16) P-c3
White does not risk Kt-e4 as Black, after Ktxe4; (17) Pxe4, can uncover the Rook by B-b4 attacking White's Queen and Rook at the same time. White's only defense would be (18) B-d2 or Kt-d2, but he would pin himself badly in either case and Black would obtain an overwhelming attack by P-f5, which enables his King's Rook to join the fray.
With P-c3 White protects himself against B-b4 and now actually threatens to interrupt the diagonal of Black's Queen's Bishop. Black will naturally try to prevent this and the first move which presents itself for the purpose is P-e4, opening a line for the Bishop d6 and the Queen at the same time. At first sight the move does not seem playable as on e4 the Pawn is three times attacked and only twice defended; but White cannot withdraw both the Knight d2 and the Pawn d3 from the Queen's file on account of the threat Bxh2+ winning the Queen for Rook and Bishop. Black can, therefore, safely advance the Pawn.
+———————————————————-+ 8 | | | | #R | | #R | #K | | |———————————————————-| 7 | | #B | #Q | | | #P | #P | | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | | #B | | #Kt| | #P | |———————————————————-| 5 | | #P | | | #P | | | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^P | ^P | ^P | | ^Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 2 | | ^P | | ^Kt| | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | | ^B | ^Q | ^R | | ^K | | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
(16) … P-e4 (17) Pxe4 Ktxe4 (18) Q-c2
Now that the Queen has left the d-file, unpinning the Knight, something must be done for the Knight e4 who is twice attacked and only once protected. Two moves come into consideration. One is P-f5 which maintains the Knight in the dominating center- position, as White cannot take him without opening the f-file for Black's Rook and losing the Pawn h2 who needs the protection of the Knight f3. The other is Ktxd2, winning the Pawn h2 right away no matter whether White retakes with the Bishop or with the Knight. Which of the two moves is the better is difficult to say and is more or less a matter of temperament. A player who prefers a slow and sure advance will choose P-f5. A player who likes a faster pace will start the hand-to-hand fight without delay by Ktxd2. It is the latter move on which Black decides.
(18) … Ktxd2
White now faces the dilemma whether to recapture with the Bishop or with the Knight. If he takes with the Bishop Black exchanges on f3, breaking up White's chain of Pawns, and he regains his Pawn by Bxh2. If he takes with the Knight, Black also wins the Pawn h2, but the other Pawns in front of the King remain intact. The drawback to the latter continuation is, however, that White's development is delayed for another two moves, as the Queen's Bishop is shut in. For this reason White decides on Bxd2, probably also hoping that he will be compensated for the broken Pawn position by an attack in the g- or h-file which Black's maneuver opens.
+———————————————————-+ 8 | | | | #R | | #R | #K | | |———————————————————-| 7 | | #B | #Q | | | #P | #P | | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | | #B | | | | #P | |———————————————————-| 5 | | #P | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 2 | | ^P | ^Q | #Kt| | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | | ^B | | ^R | | ^K | | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
(19) Bxd2 Bxf3
The fact that Black has to exchange his well placed Queen's Bishop in order to win the Pawn h2 was very likely another reason which induced White to retake with the Bishop.
(20) Pxf3 Bxh2+ (21) K-g2
+———————————————————-+ 8 | | | | #R | | #R | #K | | |———————————————————-| 7 | | | #Q | | | #P | #P | | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | | | | | | #P | |———————————————————-| 5 | | #P | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | | ^P | ^Q | ^B | | ^P | ^K | ^B | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | | | | ^R | | | | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
A general survey of the position shows clearly that Black has the advantage. His Rook d8 is ready to take part in the battle while White has to make several preparatory moves with his Rooks before he can make use of them on the King's wing, the only part of the board where they have a chance to be effective. In the e-line which White's Rook controls at present, there is no tangible object for an attack.
Moreover, White's King is rather exposed while Black's King is safely entrenched behind his Pawns.
A good continuation for Black, which presents itself at first thought, is R-d6, enabling the doubling of the Rooks in the d- line or the participation of the Rook d6 in a fight on the King's wing.
(21) … R-d6 (22) R-e4
White cannot take the Bishop h2 as Rxd2 would win the Queen. (22) P-f4 would not be good either as Black would reply Q-d7, threatening Rxd2 as well as Q-g4+; Kxh2, R-g6 and mate in two moves.
With R-e4 White attempts to protect his King by R-g4 against attacks in the g-file, and Black naturally tries to foil this attempt.
(22) … P-f5 (23) R-h4
Black has now to decide whether he should withdraw his Bishop to e5 or counterattack White's Bishop by Q-d7 or Q-d8 or Rf8-d8. The counterattack looks better as it threatens to force an entrance for the Rooks in the second rank, displacing White's Queen and attacking the King from the flank. The withdrawal of the Bishop would give White time to play his Queen's Rook over to the King's wing.
The most forcible of the three moves available for the counterattack is Q-d8, which attacks the Rook h4 too, thereby depriving White of the possibility to save his Bishop by flight.
(23) … Q-d8 (24) Rxh2 Rxd2 (25) Q-c1
White's Queen has now hardly any mobility and in addition she shuts off the Queen's Rook from the King's wing. Black, on the other hand, can easily get his Rooks to cooperate by doubling them either in the d-file or in the second rank. He decides on the former alternative because the control of the Queen's file keeps White's troops separated in two parts which have little or no communication with each other, while Black's pieces are ready for concentration on the King's wing at any moment.
(25) … Q-g5+ (26) K-h1 Rf8-d8 (27) Q-e1
With the intention to play Q-e6+, thereby gaining time to swing over the Queen's Rook to the King's wing.
(27) … K-h7 (28) Q-c1
+———————————————————-+ 8 | | | | #R | | | | | |———————————————————-| 7 | | | | | | | #P | #K | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | | | | | | #P | |———————————————————-| 5 | | #P | | | | #P | #Q | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^P | ^P | | | ^P | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | | ^P | | #R | | ^P | | ^R | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | | ^Q | | | | | ^K | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
The Queen cannot leave the first rank on account of the threat R- d1+. It lies near for Black to try to force her out by attacking the square d1 once more with the Queen, thereby threatening to win the Queen for a Rook by the check on d1. He can accomplish this by playing the Queen into the d-file behind the Rooks.
(28) … R-d6 (29) P-c4
Apparently White does not recognize Black's intention, or he would have played (29) Q-f1 in order to answer Q-d8 with (30) R- e1, R-dl; (31) K-g2. But Black would then also have had an easy win by playing (29) …, Rxb2 and doubling the Rooks in the second rank.
(29) … Q-d8 (30) Q-c3
The only alternative to save the Queen was K-g2, but then R-d1 would have won a clear Rook.
Black now enforces a mate in ten moves: R-d1+; (31) Rxd1, Rxd1+; (32) K-g2, Q-g5+; (33) K-h3, R-g1; (34) Q-d4, Q-h5+; (35) Q-h4, Qxf3+; (36) Q-g3, Rxg3+; (37) Pxg3, P-f4; (38) K-h4, Qxg3+; (39) K-h5, Q-g5 mate. This instructive game was not lost through a faulty combination but on account of loss of time in the opening which could not be regained.
Played in the New York Masters' Tournament 1915
White Black Edward Lasker Jose Raoul Capablanca
(1) P-d4 P-d5 (2) Kt-f3 Kt-f6 (3) P-c4 P-e6 (4) Kt-c3 Ktb8-d7 (5) B-g5 B-b4
Ordinarily the Bishop is developed to e7 as on b4 he is out of place as soon as White has castled.
(6) P-e3 P-c5
With this move Black threatens Q-a5, attacking the Knight c3 for the second time and unpinning the Knight f6 who is then free to cooperate with the Bishop b4 and the Queen by advancing to e4. In trying to counter Black's threat White will seek to do as much as he can for the development of his pieces so as to combine the attack with defense. The King's Bishop is not yet developed, and his most natural developing move happens to cover the square at which Black is aiming with his Knight.
(7) B-d3 Q-a5 (8) Q-b3
+———————————————————-+ 8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R | |———————————————————-| 7 | #P | #P | | #Kt| | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | | | | | #P | #Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 5 | #Q | | #P | #P | | | ^B | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | #B | ^P | ^P | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^Q | ^Kt| ^B | ^P | ^Kt| | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | | | | ^K | | | ^R | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
White has to be very careful on account of the various exchanges possible in the center. Black threatens for instance to exchange first on d4 and then to play Kt-e4 so that the Bishop g5 is attacked by the Queen in case White takes the Knight with his Bishop, allowing the Pawn d5 to clear the fifth rank. Or he might play Kt-e4 first and then exchange on d4. Considering that all these threats are based on the fact that the Knight c3 is pinned as long as White has not yet castled it lies near for White to try (8) o-o. It is true that Black can then win a Pawn by taking twice on c3; however, in doing so he would retard his development and White is bound to obtain a strong attack by getting all of his pieces quickly into action, while Black's Queen is separated from the rest of her troops.
White's eighth move, Q-b3, has several drawbacks. First of all Black could play P-b5! winning a piece for three Pawns as White cannot do better than play (9) Pxb5 or Pxd5 allowing P-C4. Secondly, Black can make the combination indicated above which tends to open the fifth rank so that the Queen attacks g5. The same combination would be possible if White played (8) Q-C2.
(8) … Kt-e4 (9) o-o
Offering the Pawn sacrifice Ktxc3; (10) Pxc3, Bxc3 with the view to attacking by (11) R-c1, etc., as previously indicated. Black prefers to direct his attack against g5.
(9) … Ktxg5 (10) Ktxg5 Pxd4 (11) Kt-b5
(11) Pxd4 would lose a piece on account of Pxc4, attacking the Bishop on d3 and the Knight on g5. Black could now win a Pawn by taking on d3, but this would be very dangerous as it would open the f-file for White's Rook.
(11) … Kt-c5
+———————————————————-+ 8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R | |———————————————————-| 7 | #P | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | | | | | #P | | | | |———————————————————-| 5 | #Q | ^Kt| #Kt| #P | | | ^Kt| | |———————————————————-| 4 | | #B | ^P | #P | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^Q | | ^B | ^P | | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | ^K | | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
The position is getting very complicated indeed. The first possibility which White will consider is (12) Kt-d6+; but after K-e7 there seems to be no satisfactory continuation. For instance: (13) Q-C2, Ktxd3; (14) Ktd6xf7, R-f8 winning two Knights for the Rook. Or: (14) Ktxc8+ ?, Ra8xc8; (15) Qxd3, Pxc4 winning a piece. Therefore, White has no alternative but to retire the Queen.
(12) Q-c2 Ktxd3 (13) Qxd3 P-a6
+———————————————————-+ 8 | #R | | #B | | #K | | | #R | |———————————————————-| 7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | #P | | | | #P | | | | |———————————————————-| 5 | #Q | ^Kt| | #P | | | ^Kt| | |———————————————————-| 4 | | #B | ^P | #P | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | | | ^Q | ^P | | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | ^P | | | | ^P | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | | | | | ^R | ^K | | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
It is not easy for Black to retain tide Pawn which he has won. If he plays (13) …, B-e7; (14) Kt-f3, Pxe3; White can continue (15) Pxd5 with good attacking chances on account of the open files in the center of the board, of which Black cannot yet make any use as he has not yet castled.
By P-a6 Black opens again the fifth rank in order to operate against the Knight g5.
(14) Ktxd4 Pxc4 (15) Qxc4 B-d7 (16) Kt-b3
A very bad move, as it violates the general principles of strategy. In withdrawing the Knight from the dominating center square White decreases his mobility instead of increasing it. The logical continuation would have been Rf1-d1 or Ra1-c1, developing one of the Rooks.
(16) … Qxg5 (17) Qxb4 B-c6
Black would not have been able to occupy this favorable square with his Bishop, had not White withdrawn his Knight from d4.
(18) P-e4 P-a5
This forces the Queen out of the diagonal a3-f8 as the Pawn e4 has to be kept protected.
(19) Q-d2 Qxd2
Black demonstrates in a very simple manner that the exchange of Queens is disadvantageous for White, a fact that White should have foreseen as the unprotected Knight on d2 enables Black to gain control of the d-file by castling on the Queen's side.
(20) Ktxd2 o-o-o (21) Kt-c4
White cannot play R-d1 on account of R-d4, threatening Rh8-d8.
(21) … Bxe4 (22) Rf1-c1
This merely drives the Black King to a safe place. Ktxa5 was indicated. R-d2 could then have been answered by (23) R-c1+ and (24) R-C4.
(22) … K-b8 (23) P-f3
Again a move which helps the opponent as it drives the Bishop where he wants to go.
(23)… B-d5 (24) Ktxa5 R-c8 (25) P-b3
This situation furnishes an instructive example of the importance of the rules governing Pawn formations as previously discussed. By attacking the Knight with the King Black can force the exchange of the Bishop for the Knight on c4.
+———————————————————-+ 8 | | #K | #R | | | | | #R | |———————————————————-| 7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | | | | | #P | | | | |———————————————————-| 5 | ^Kt| | | #B | | | | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | ^P | | | | ^P | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | | | | | | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | ^R | | ^R | | | | ^K | | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
This leaves White with a Pawn on c4 who is weak on account of his advanced position. Black can attack him with the King and White's King is consequently compelled to stay on the Queen's wing guarding the Pawn, while Black is at leisure to secure a passed Pawn on the King's wing. These maneuvers are, of course, possible only with the Rooks off the board. That is why Black tries to force their exchange and why White should endeavor to prevent it.
(25) … Rxc1+ (26) Rxc1 R-c8 (27) Rxc8+
In view of the hopeless Pawn ending it would have been best to give up a Pawn by (27) R-d1, P-b6; (28) Kt-c4, Bxc4; (29) Pxc4, Rxc4; (30) R-d2 in order to keep a Rook on the board, thus obtaining a drawing chance.
(27) … Kxc8 (28) K-f2 K-c7 (29) K-e3 K-b6 (30) Kt-c4+ Bxc4 (31) Pxc4 K-c5 (32) K-d3 P-e5
Black's strategy in this ending is clearly indicated. He will play P-f5 and advance the e-Pawn as soon as White plays K-c3. Instead of the latter move White could play P-a3 which would also keep Black's King from b4; but he would soon run out of spare moves with his Pawns necessitating a King's move. For instance, (32) P-a3, P-f5; (33) P-g4, P-g6; (34) P-h3, P-h6; (35) P-h4, P- h5; (36) P-g5, P-b6!; (37) K-c3, P-e4; (38) P-f4, P-e3; (39) K- d3, P-e2; (40) Kxe2, Kxc4; (41) K-e3, P-b5.
+———————————————————-+ 8 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 7 | | #P | | | | #P | #P | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 5 | | | #K | | #P | | | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | ^P | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 3 | | | | ^K | | ^P | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | | | | | | ^P | ^P | |———————————————————-| 1 | | | | | | | | | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
Black needs now only six moves to queen the Pawn b5 while White in the meantime cannot do more than capture the g- and h-Pawns, and Black's Queen can naturally stop the White passed Pawns without difficulty. The game proceeded as follows:
(33) P-g4 P-f6 (34) P-h4 P-g6 (35) K-e4 K-d6
Black could just as well have captured the Pawn c4 and permitted (36) P-g5, Pxg5; (37) Pxg5.
+———————————————————-+ 8 | | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 7 | | #P | | | | | | #P | |———————————————————-| 6 | | | | #K | | #P | #P | | |———————————————————-| 5 | | | | | #P | | | | |———————————————————-| 4 | | | ^P | | ^K | | ^P |^P | |———————————————————-| 3 | | | | | | ^P | | | |———————————————————-| 2 | ^P | | | | | | | | |———————————————————-| 1 | | | | | | | | | +———————————————————-+ a b c d e f g h
He would then have had a Queen in another eight moves while White could not get farther with his Pawn than to g7, so that Black easily wins.
To march against the Pawn b7 instead of the Pawns on the King's side would not help White either, as he does not get back to the King's wing in time to protect his f- and g-Pawn.
(36) P-f4 Pxf4 (37) Kxf4 K-c5 (38) P-h5 Kxc4 (39) K-e4 P-b5 (40) P-a3 K-c5 (41) Resigns.